The earliest law related to civil marriage in Hong Kong was introduced in 1852. Since then, the registration of marriage has undergone a number of changes, culminating in the official institution of monogamous marriages under the Marriage Reform Ordinance (Cap. 178) in 1971.
Legislation
Ordinance No. 1 of 1852 <br> The earliest ordinance related to civil marriage, which set out
requirements on the ceremony of Christians’ marriages solemnised in Hong Kong, including notices of
marriage, oaths of the marrying parties, etc. <br> X1000204 (1844-1865)
Ordinance No. 14 of 1875<br>The ordinance applied to marriages where one or both the parties were
Christians and required marriages celebrated in Hong Kong to be systematically recorded in a single
general register. <br> X1000198 (1875)
Ordinance No. 14 of 1875<br>The ordinance applied to marriages where one or both the parties were
Christians and required marriages celebrated in Hong Kong to be systematically recorded in a single
general register. <br> X1000198 (1875)
Amendment to Ordinance No. 14 of 1875 <br>The amendment allowed non-Christian parties to enter into
a valid civil marriage before the Registrar General and stipulated that if either party remarried during
the lifetime of their spouse, they would be guilty of bigamy.<br>X1000198 (1896)
Following the introduction of marriage-related ordinances, different places of worship were gradually
licensed as venues for celebration of marriages. <br> X1000198 (1876)
St. John's Cathedral is a licensed place for celebration of marriages.<br> MHP1999.5.7 (c.1870)
<br> With courtesy of the Hong Kong Museum of History
St. John’s Cathedral. <br> MHP1992.3.61 (c.1930s) <br> With courtesy of the Hong Kong Museum
of History
St. John’s Cathedral. <br> 951.25 HER 1992 (1992)
St. John’s Cathedral. <br> 951.25 HER 1992 (1992)
St. John’s Cathedral. <br> 307.12 REC
St. Andrew’s Church, licensed as a place for celebration of marriages in 1927. <br> 03-06-172
(1930s)
St. Andrew’s Church, licensed as a place for celebration of marriages in 1927. <br> 08-09-010
(c.1935–1941)
Chinese Methodist Church, licensed as a place for celebration of marriages in 1936. <br> 08-09-236
(1935-1941)
The Chinese Methodist Church evolved into a composite building, with a church located on the lower
floors. <br> 307.12 REC
The Chinese Methodist Church evolved into a composite building, with a church located on the lower
floors. <br> 307.12 REC
Marriages celebrated during the Japanese Occupation
According to Ordinance No. 25 of 1948, all marriages celebrated during the Japanese Occupation period
(from 8 December 1941 to 15 October 1945) were considered valid (with the exception of non-Christian
customary marriages that were celebrated according to the personal law and religion of the parties
involved). <br> X1000204 (1948)
A list of marriages solemnised in Stanley Internment Camp during the Japanese Occupation. <br>
HKMS66-1-135 (c.1945) <br> With courtesy of the Hong Kong Sheng Kung Hui Archives
Stanley Internment Camp. <br> 02-08-201 (1940s)
A list of marriages solemnised in St. John’s Cathedral during the Japanese Occupation. <br>
HKMS66-1-135 (c.1945) <br>With courtesy of the Hong Kong Sheng Kung Hui Archives
Reform of the Institution of Marriage
Various Studies about Chinese Customary Marriages in Hong Kong to review whether monogamous marriage
should be institutionalised. A report to examine the applicability of Chinese law and custom from 1843 in
Hong Kong. <br> 349.5125 CHI (1953)
A report relating to the legal status and custom of Chinese marriage in Hong Kong. <br> 346.2016
MAR 1960 c2 (1960)
A report to provide new recommendations on the report of “Chinese Marriages in Hong Kong” issued in 1960.
<br> 346.2016 MCD (1967)
Ordinance No. 68 of 1970 <br> The Marriage Reform Ordinance, which mandated monogamy, came into
effect on 7 October 1971. <br> X1000204 (1970)
Couples of modern marriages or customary marriages celebrated in Hong Kong before 7 October 1971 would be
issued with marriage certificates after post-registration formalities. <br> 353.484 IMM 2011
(2011)
Marriage certificate issued in 1988 for customary marriage after post-registration formalities.
<br> With courtesy of the Immigration Department
In the 1970s to 1980s, the Information Services Department published pamphlets about the Marriage Reform
Ordinance, 1970, and the associated post-registered marriages. <br> HKRS2473-3-3
In the 1970s to 1980s, the Information Services Department published pamphlets about the Marriage Reform
Ordinance, 1970, and the associated post-registered marriages. <br> HKRS2473-3-3
In the 1970s to 1980s, the Information Services Department published pamphlets about the Marriage Reform
Ordinance, 1970, and the associated post-registered marriages. <br> HKRS2473-3-3
In the 1970s to 1980s, the Information Services Department published pamphlets about the Marriage Reform
Ordinance, 1970, and the associated post-registered marriages. <br> HKRS2473-3-4